Bradley Brookshire Ascends to BGC Chairman/CEO

Bradley W. Brookshire has been named chairman and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Co., while Rick Rayford has retired as president and CEO of the Tyler, Texas-based regional retailer.

Serving as board chairman since 2007, Bradley Brookshire is part of the third generation of the family to lead the company. He has spent 38 years with BGC in various leadership roles, including store director, director of distribution and EVP of corporate development.

“We appreciate Rick’s 44 years of service to this company and the legacy he leaves behind," said Brookshire, grandson of company founder Wood T. Brookshire. "Hundreds of employees were promoted to leadership positions during his tenure, some directly through his mentorship and others through the many career development and education opportunities he so strongly supported.

“We will continue on the path set forth by Rick’s leadership to fulfill our mission of providing a great food and shopping experience," continued Brookshire. "We thank Rick and wish both he and his wife, Bonnie, the very best in the next phase of their lives.”

In a statement to the company’s employees, Brookshire thanked them for their support, particularly in recent months as the board evaluated a range of strategic alternatives for the company.

“Times of change are also times of great opportunity and growth, and I am excited about all that the future holds for Brookshire Grocery Company. My challenge to each and every one of our 14,000 partners is to remain focused on our common goals of taking great care of our customers, uniting as a team and making our company the very best it can be."

Brookshire Grocery Co. operates 152 stores in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas and has three distribution centers and five manufacturing facilities.